File search crashing

[mikemclean11]

Is there any particular file corruption error that may cause the Search function to crash within a very short time after activating a search via the "SEARCH" button?

I have suddenly found that I can no longer search for files on my hard drive as a result of this continuous crashing - whereby I can enter the search term and also the destination of the search (select which drive and or folder) but upon starting the search, the page hangs?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[JFBouchard]

Hi, try IEFIX: the search function in XP uses IE .dlls

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFIX.htm

Hope this helps. Please let know if this resolve your issue

Jeff

 

[mikemclean11]

Thanks for that advice.

I have tried that - but this reveals a new, perhaps more sinister problem?

I now get run-time error 429 - ActiveX component can't create object.

Will continue to research this and see if I can resolve it - but any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

 

[DragonQ0105]

I know most people don't like seeing alternative solutions rather than fixing their problems, but if it comes down to it, you can try Google's Desktop Search program...I've never used it, and I have no idea what it's like or if it has maleware in it or whatever...

If it doesn't happen in this Program, then you know it's a problem with the Built-in Search.

If it continues to happen using Google's App, then there's a Disk or File Error...

 

[JFBouchard]

Hi, so we've touched the right component...

Try sfc /scannow

If the problem is still present, reinstall internet explorer:
(Use the method that match your XP version)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318378/EN-US/

You should be clear of this problem after that.

Hope this helps. Please let know if this resolve your issue

Jeff

 

[mikemclean11]

I wish I could say this is resolved, but alas, it appears not to be.

I have run sfc /scannow, but this only runs and ends - it doesn't report any queries or problems.

I have also previosuyl downloaded SP2 and saved this to my HDD. Running this in my usual user account (with admin support) takes about 10 minutes, appears to report everything installed correctly, but still no response with regards the Search function.

Should I attempt an uninstall of IE6 or any related program and allow SP2 to then run and install missing components?

Thanks for your continued assistance

 

[bcastner]

Why doesn't Search Work?

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm

 

[bcastner]

Download and update your scripting Host:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...43-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&displaylang=en

Then do the DLL registrations and registry checks:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=831430

 

[linney]

Something else to consider if you still can't get things going.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

 

[mikemclean11]

Right... thanks to your combined advice, I think I am making progress.

I have eventually rid myself of all adware, and the machine already appears happier.

I have noticed that my Antivirus software corrupted, and so this is the same position I was in a few months ago - and the IEFix program recommended above did the trick then. However, when I try and run it now ,I get a "Rumtime Error 429" I have not been able to identify any solution specific to this program.

Any advice?

 

[bcastner]

I am not so sure this is not a sign of contininuing malware on your system.

Normally a 429 error would indicate that a DLL was not registered, or a file was missing, for a VB program.

Download the Microsoft Anti-spyware beta, and install it. Then boot into Safe Mode with networking.

. Do at least the Panda or Trend Micro online AV scan.
. Then do two passes with the Microsoft utility.
. Then try IEFIX again, and be certain to check the optional SFC /Scannow choice.

Reboot and test again.

 

[bcastner]

Also, download and run this license control fixer:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/194751/EN-US/

 

[mikemclean11]

Nearing my wits end, and still no closer to a resolution...

My file search (search assistant) continues to not function in the same way... I can open the search assistant, enter a search phrase, but upon pressing the "search" button, get no response other than "Searching..." When I try to click anywhere on the open window, I then get a "Not responding" respoinse and have to close it down.

I have tried everything suggested. On several ocassions I have:
Run IE Fix
Reinstalled (re-run) SP2
Run SFC \scannow

I have defragged, disc cleaned, chkdsk'd and still nothing.

Would a complete restart of windows - reinstall from scratch - be my last resort?

 

[bcastner]

I stumpbled across this today, and it may apply in your instance if using the Google desktop:

http://desktop.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=12661&topic=212

 

[linney]

Before you try a repair of Windows you might as well see if reinstalling Search does anything.

Reinstall Search assistant

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/windowsxp/articles/399/1/Reinstall-Search-assistant

Using the "A Word or Phrase in the File" Search Criterion May Not Work

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q309173

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[mikemclean11]

Can I ask your patience while I proceed to display my ignorance....

The "In-place re-install" that is mentioned in the latest posting is what I need help with, as I feel this may be my only solution.

However, I purchased my PC as a package, and the vendor politely dumped the Windows XP CD onto my HDD. How can I perform an in-place re-install without the CD, but with just the files on my HDD? Is it as easy as booting direct from this directory? And if I boot from this directory (rather than the CD drive) is it as easy to perform this process?

Thanks everyone for your help - if nothing else, I am learning a lot along the way.

 

[linney]

It might be time to read the manual under the chapter of "Repair and Recovery" and see what options you have available as this sounds like you have an OEM installation with Recovery Partitions instead of a Recovery CD or Retail CD.

Look for terms like Non-Destructive repair rather than Factory condition which (Factory) means a clean install rather than a repair.